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Initial Q Collection

Discover the enchanting world of Initial Q, a 14th-century illuminated manuscript, now housed in MS 322 f. 54r

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Ms 322 f. 54r, Psalm 51, initial Q, David and Goliath, illustration from the

Ms 322 f. 54r, Psalm 51, initial Q, David and Goliath, illustration from the
476951 Ms 322 f.54r, Psalm 51, initial Q, David and Goliath, illustration from the De Brailes Psalter, c.1250 (vellum) by Brailes

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Initial Q Gerard Rescuing Father Gillion Battle

Initial Q Gerard Rescuing Father Gillion Battle
Initial Q: Gerard Rescuing His Father Gillion during Battle; Lieven van Lathem (Flemish, about 1430 - 1493), David Aubert (Flemish, active 1453 - 1479); Antwerp, Belgium; 1464; Tempera colors, gold

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Initial Q Gillion Defeating King Gibraltar Lieven van

Initial Q Gillion Defeating King Gibraltar Lieven van
Initial Q: Gillion Defeating the King of Gibraltar; Lieven van Lathem (Flemish, about 1430 - 1493), David Aubert (Flemish, active 1453 - 1479); Antwerp, Belgium; 1464; Tempera colors, gold

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Initial Q Gillion Reacting News Death Wife Progeny

Initial Q Gillion Reacting News Death Wife Progeny
Initial Q: Gillion Reacting to the News of Death of His Wife and Progeny; Lieven van Lathem (Flemish, about 1430 - 1493), David Aubert (Flemish, active 1453 - 1479); Antwerp

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Initial Q Gillion Receiving Pope Blessing Lieven van

Initial Q Gillion Receiving Pope Blessing Lieven van
Initial Q: Gillion Receiving the Popes Blessing; Lieven van Lathem (Flemish, about 1430 - 1493), David Aubert (Flemish, active 1453 - 1479); Antwerp, Belgium; 1464; Tempera colors, gold

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Initial Q Gillion Marie Gazing Carp Gillion Praying

Initial Q Gillion Marie Gazing Carp Gillion Praying
Initial Q: Gillion and Marie Gazing at Carp and Gillion Praying; Lieven van Lathem (Flemish, about 1430 - 1493), David Aubert (Flemish, active 1453 - 1479); Antwerp, Belgium; 1464; Tempera colors

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Initial Q Gillion Asking Count Hainaut Permission

Initial Q Gillion Asking Count Hainaut Permission
Initial Q: Gillion Asking the Count of Hainaut for Permission to Go on Pilgrimage; Lieven van Lathem (Flemish, about 1430 - 1493), David Aubert (Flemish, active 1453 - 1479); Antwerp

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Initial E Prophet Initial Q Paris France 1320

Initial E Prophet Initial Q Paris France 1320
Initial E: A Prophet; Initial Q: A Prophet; Paris, France; about 1320 - 1325; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 16.7 x 11.1 cm (6 9, 16 x 4 3, 8 in.)

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Initial Q Herod Embracing Pilate Bute Master

Initial Q Herod Embracing Pilate Bute Master
Initial Q: Herod Embracing Pilate; Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290); Northeastern (illuminated), France; illumination about 1270 - 1280; written about 135 - 1375; Tempera

Background imageInitial Q Collection: Leaf Excised Antiphonary Initial Q Saints Peter

Leaf Excised Antiphonary Initial Q Saints Peter
Leaf Excised from an Antiphonary: Initial Q with Saints Peter and Paul, c. 1325. South Flanders, 14th century. Ink, tempera and gold on vellum; each leaf: 32.3 x 21.9 cm (12 11/16 x 8 5/8 in.)



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Discover the enchanting world of Initial Q, a 14th-century illuminated manuscript, now housed in MS 322 f. 54r. This exquisite work of art tells the story of Saint Gillion, a brave knight, through a series of vivid illustrations. Initial Q's tale begins with Gillion's daring rescue of his father from the clutches of King Gibraltar, as depicted in the illustration "Initial Q Gerard Rescuing Father Gillion in Battle." The narrative continues with Gillion's triumph over King Gibraltar, as shown in "Initial Q Gillion Defeating King Gibraltar by Lieven van Lathem." The story takes a tragic turn when Gillion receives news of his wife and progeny's deaths, as portrayed in "Initial Q Gillion Reacting to News of Death of Wife and Progeny." However, Gillion finds solace in prayer and the blessings of the Pope, as illustrated in "Initial Q Gillion Receiving Pope's Blessing from Lieven van Lathem." The narrative also includes moments of contemplation, such as Gillion gazing at a carp, as shown in "Initial Q Gillion Marie Gazing at Carp by Lieven van Lathem," and Gillion in prayer, as depicted in "Initial Q Gillion Praying." Additionally, the manuscript features illustrations of other biblical stories, such as Herod's embrace of Pilate, as depicted in "Initial Q Herod Embracing Pilate by the Bute Master," and the saints Peter and other saints, as shown in "Leaf Excised Antiphonary Initial Q Saints Peter." This stunning manuscript, created in Paris around 1320, is a testament to the artistic and religious traditions of the time. Explore the captivating images and stories within Initial Q, and be transported to a world of chivalry, faith, and beauty.